Why shouldn't Israeli Haredim (Ultra-Orthodox) learn English and mathematics in their yeshivas, serve in the army, work for a living, and have picnics on Independence Day? In Beit Shemesh, ultra-Orthodox Anglos and native-born liberal Haredim have decided to open their society to the real world.

By Yair Ettinger 08.09.10

The search ends in front of a two-story detached house with a loft. In front is a lawn with a young palm tree. The blinds are shut or half shut. There is no hint that this is the site of a small educational institution. But there is someone behind the blinds who scrutinizes visitors. The door is opened almost simultaneously with the knock. Sorry, the bearded man in the entrance says, you will have to wait for authorization from the head of the yeshiva. From behind him the busy sounds of the first day of school can be heard - it's the first day of the Hebrew m